With summer well underway there are many facilities that are seeing an increase in foot traffic and higher expectations of hygiene. In honor of July’s National Carpet Cleaning Month, Whittaker is a company dedicated to carpets with low moisture has highlighted the the best practices for house cleaning teams and contractors for building services to look at when planning their carpet cleaning programs.
“The best carpet care plan can help commercial facilities maintain their the cleanliness of their facilities and boost brand recognition,” said Joe Bshero the director for technical support at Whittaker. “Proper maintenance can also extend the life of carpets, which lowers costs and reduces environmental impact over the long run.”
Take note of the following 6 suggestions to maintain commercial carpets:
1. Install carpet matting
Carpet matting placed at the entrances and at the point where hardwood flooring transitions into soft is the initial protection to stop dirt, water and debris from being tracked onto carpet. Look for matting that is slip-resistant and has water retention and scraping capabilities and set aside 9 to fifteen feet for matting to guarantee maximum efficiency.
2. Clean up regularly high-traffic areas
A regular vacuuming schedule helps maintain healthy indoor air quality through getting rid of the accumulation of dirt and dust in carpets and mats. This is crucial for areas with a high pedestrian traffic, like hallways, lobbies and lounges.
3. Make sure you use the correct machines and use the appropriate chemistry
Check out on the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) for the list of carpets which have received the Seal of Approval to ensure the effectiveness of equipment. In addition, you must use a chemistry that can handle all kinds of stains like salt stains, coffee or bodily fluids as well as grease. Find solutions that do not leave an unattractive residue or cause discoloration of carpets.
4. Be prepared for spills when they happen.
Carpet is usually the first thing that guests and visitors see when they arrive at an establishment, which could influence their perceptions of cleanliness. Make sure employees are aware regarding spills and stains during their shifts. The most ergonomic tools for spot removal whether handled or handheld will help employees swiftly mix cleaning solutions into carpets to stop the stain from spreading.
5. Think about the sustainability
A survey by the Harris Poll found that one in Americans think that commercial establishments should adhere to sustainable cleaning practices. Low-moisture Encapsulation is a carpet cleaning technique that requires less water than traditional methods and allows carpet to dry in around 30 minutes, which makes it more eco-friendly and cost-effective.
6. Remember to deep clean
CRI recommends that carpets be professionally deep-cleaned at least each 12-18 month period. Methods such as hot water extraction are a great way to improve the indoor air quality and increase the life of carpets by eliminating the soil that has been embedded.
“Investing in carpet cleaning can cut down the costs of replacing carpets and disrupts in providing a comfortable and relaxing environment for visitors and building occupants for many years to be,” added Bshero. “Facilities that ensure that it is a priority throughout the year will yield long-term benefits to your bottom line and the environment.”
